Sunderland seafront bar stops selling take-away alcohol and removes beer garden furniture after social distancing concerns

Officers were called to Bar 88, part of the House of Zen restaurant at Seaburn yesterday, Thursday, May 21, after worries over possible breaches of the lockdown regulations.

Northumbria Police said there was no sign the guidelines were not being obeyed, but the venue has now decided to scrap off-licence sales and has taken in the tables and benches which were outside.

Bar 88 boss Ray Chan admitted they had been taken aback by the numbers who turned out.

“We were a bit surprised,” he said. “It was a bit chaotic.

“We have a one-way system in place inside. Nobody came into contact with anyone else.

“But when they are outside, it is extremely difficult for us to disperse them. I don’t know if they were just ignoring the rules or it was because they have been cooped up for so long.”

The restaurant will be continuing its popular food takeaway service.

New coronavirus regulations allow pubs to offer takeaway food and drink, on the basis that appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures are in place.

Councillor Amy Wilson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Sunderland City Council, said: “House of Zen has a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, and the regulations allow for pubs to operate on a takeaway basis provided appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures are in place.

“However premises are not legally permitted to allow customers to make use of any seating areas that are owned by the business and we strongly discourage the sale of alcohol in open containers.

“The licence holder has today confirmed that they will stop selling alcohol in open containers and have removed the tables and chairs from outside.

“We would urge all licenced premises to take a responsible approach at a time when Government advice is that everyone should stay home as much as possible to help control the virus and save lives. Licences may be reviewed if premises are found to be operating in breach of the law against advice.”

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